Adani mine project given "critical infrastructure" status by QLD Govt

The Queensland Government is taking a big step to progressing Adani’s $21.7 billion Carmichael coal and rail project near Clermont. The project – which involves the construction of mine, rail and associated water infrastructures – have been declared vital to the region, a first in seven years.

This project’s special “prescribed project” status has also been renewed as well as expanded to include water infrastructure. According to State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham, the decision he made means that there’s less red tape for the proposed project as well as the associated jobs and opportunities it offered.

“This step bundles together major elements of the project for the first time – the mine, the 389 kilometre rail line, and the water infrastructure, including a pipeline, pumping stations and a dam upgrade.

“It makes it more efficient to establish easements for infrastructure like the water pipeline and the rail, and expands the Coordinator-General’s power to ensure timely approvals,” Dr Lynham said.

According to Dr Lynham, the declaration he made for this project was based on the advice from the independent Coordinator-General who has been regularly meeting with Adani to talk about the project’s progress.

“Adani has now obtained all the necessary primary approvals for its mine, rail and port project --- and most importantly, I have granted the mining lease.

“At a state level, the only key approvals remaining are water licenses and Adani is actively working on those with my Department of Natural Resources and Mines,” Dr Lynham said.

Dr Lynham also said that the progress on this project has been achieved while still protecting the Great Barrier Reef as well as meeting the requirements for the State and Commonwealth environmental impact assessment.

Construction on this project is expected to begin in 2017.

Stay up to date with the latest industry news and project updates by subscribing to the PlantMiner blog today.